Technology Analysis
Many major changes in business over the past decade have been enabled by new
technologies. Technology analysis therefore starts by having the analysts and managers
develop a list of important and interesting technologies. Then the group systematically
identifies how each and every technology could be applied to the business
process and identifies how the business would benefit.
For example, one useful technology might be the Internet. A manufacturer
could develop an extranet application for its suppliers. Rather than ordering parts for
its products, the manufacturer makes its production schedule available electronically
to its suppliers, who ship the needed parts so that they arrive at the plant just in time.
This saves significant costs because it eliminates the need for people to monitor the
production schedule and issue purchase orders.